New pid'd rancilio silvia has huge flow rate

[jamezracer]

Well, a new pid'd silvia arrived on my doorstep yesterday. However if I try and flush water through the pf without any coffee, it blasts out of each spout all over my counter. The first reaction is of course: adjust the pressure valve. But the pressure limit should have nothing to do with the un-restricted flow rate, so I'm holding off on tweaking the factory settings. I have never seen this behavior before, wondering if this is common.

[Randy G.]

It sounds like the steam switch is on..... Try placing a pitcher under the steam wand and opening the steam valve. Some water will spurt out, but not a lot, if the machine is correctly operated. For pulling shots, only the center, main power switch and the top, left-hand switch should be in the on position.

[jesawdy]

It sounds like the steam switch is on.....

Could be, or it could be that the PID set value (SV) is a bit too high, or the boiler is not completely full and somewhat overheated. That said, I wouldn't sweat it. I would ensure that the boiler is properly filled (get a steady steam of water out of the steam valve using the hot water switch to activate the pump).

Because the Silvia has no gicleur (orifice), water comes out pretty quickly and forcefully. Try things with some coffee, and adjust your PID SV as indicated by the instructions and the taste. A SV of 228F or so is common, but it may need to be quite a bit less.

[jamezracer]

well, all of the switches are in the correct position and the pid is set to 223F. I'll try flushing lots of water with the hot water switch to keep it filled. Thanks for your input guys!

[jesawdy]

well, all of the switches are in the correct position and the pid is set to 223F. I'll try flushing lots of water with the hot water switch to keep it filled. Thanks for your input guys!

You don't need to flush lots of water, just ensure it is full when you turn it on or after a steaming session. The boiler should stay full with use. How is the coffee?

[jamezracer]

The coffee isn't too bad, although I'm still waiting on a decent grinder (ascaso innova should be here in a week) as my old breville ikon can't grind nearly fine enough, the coffee just flushes through. It is very acidic, but great full bodied flavor for a cappa, and my dad seems to like the acidity with a bit of sugar. Certainly a step up from the bitter watery espresso I was getting before the upgrade from a krups. The beans were roasted a week ago, and I probably will not buy another batch until next saturday as I have another half pound to get through.

I had to replace a leaky opv return line today, which gave me the chance to make sure the valve is working, and it is.

thanks again for your input.